Australia’s Longest Road Trains: What the Law Allows

Up to 53.5 metres (about 176 feet) is the maximum length generally permitted for road trains on public roads in Australia; in limited cases and on specified routes—mainly in Western Australia and the Northern Territory—authorities may approve longer combinations of around 60 metres under special Performance‑Based Standards or permit conditions. This reflects a national baseline with tightly controlled regional exceptions.

How Australia Regulates Road Train Length

Australia regulates heavy vehicle size through the Heavy Vehicle National Law and the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation, administered in most states and territories by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). Within this framework, a “road train” is a prime mover hauling multiple trailers, subject to designated networks and strict operational conditions. The nationally recognised upper bound for a road train on public roads is 53.5 metres, with Type 1 road trains typically capped at 36.5 metres and Type 2 road trains extending up to 53.5 metres on approved routes.

Where Longer Than 53.5 m May Operate

While 53.5 metres is the general ceiling on public roads, some jurisdictions allow longer combinations by exception. These approvals are narrowly defined, route‑specific, and subject to vehicle performance assessments, driver accreditation, and operating conditions such as weather, time-of-day, and escort requirements.

• Western Australia: On select heavy-vehicle routes and under Performance‑Based Standards (PBS) or permit, combinations around 60 metres may be approved, especially for bulk commodities in remote regions.
• Northern Territory: Similar case-by-case permit arrangements can allow combinations around 60 metres on defined corridors, reflecting the Territory’s sparse population and freight needs.
• Private and mining haul roads: Even longer combinations are sometimes used on private roads, but these do not reflect general public-road limits.

These exceptions are not general access; they require pre-approval, specific routes, and strict compliance. Operators must consult the current state/territory network maps and permit conditions before travel.

Typical Configurations and Lengths

The following list outlines common road train configurations and the lengths typically permitted on designated public-road networks. Exact access depends on the vehicle spec, network approval, and permits.

• Type 1 road train (e.g., A‑double, B‑triple, AB‑triple): typically up to 36.5 metres on approved routes.
• Type 2 road train (often triple road train): up to 53.5 metres on approved road‑train networks.
• Permit/PBS combinations in WA/NT: around 60 metres on select routes under strict conditions.

These figures reflect the most common legal limits. Actual allowances can vary with trailer lengths, coupling types, route classifications, and state-based network maps.

Why the Limits Matter

Length controls balance freight efficiency with safety and infrastructure protection. Longer combinations increase payload efficiency in remote corridors but require greater stopping distances, wider turning paths, and robust pavement and bridge capacity. That’s why access is confined to vetted routes and conditioned by speed, weather, and operating restrictions.

Checking a Specific Route

Because access is route‑specific and updated regularly, operators and interested readers should consult official tools and agencies for current rules and network availability.

• NHVR Route Planner/Journey Planner (most states and territories).
• Main Roads Western Australia Heavy Vehicle Services (RAV Network maps and permit information).
• Northern Territory Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (heavy vehicle permits and networks).
• State road authorities in Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales for local access conditions.

These resources provide the authoritative, most up-to-date guidance on where specific road train lengths and configurations are allowed.

Summary

Australia’s longest road trains allowed on public roads are generally capped at 53.5 metres, with limited, tightly controlled approvals around 60 metres on specific routes in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Anything longer is typically confined to private or mining haul roads. Always verify current access via NHVR and state network maps before operating.

How much does a road train driver earn in Australia?

$120,000 per year
The average salary for Road Train Driver jobs in Australia is $120,000 per year.

What’s the longest train ride in Australia?

The Indian Pacific
Advance purchase rates are now available for travel in 2025 and 2026. Limited seats available—book quickly! The Indian Pacific is a legendary transcontinental train journey spanning 4,352 kilometres between Sydney, Adelaide and Perth.

What country has the longest road trains?

Australia
Nowhere in the world has more road trains or longer road trains than Australia.

What is the longest road train in Australia?

The Guinness World Record for the longest road train was set in Australia on February 18, 2006, by truck driver John Atkinson. He towed a Mack Titan prime mover with 113 trailers for a total length of 1,474.3 meters (4,836 ft 11 in) near Clifton, Queensland. 
Here’s a breakdown of the record: 

• Driver: John Atkinson
• Vehicle: Mack Titan prime mover
• Trailers: 113 trailers
• Length: 1,474.3 meters (4,836 ft 11 in)
• Location: Clifton, Queensland, Australia
• Date: February 18, 2006